Health influencer Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has debunked common myths about ulcers, stating that the condition is not caused by hunger or the consumption of pepper. In a TikTok video released on July 3, the medical practitioner explained that an ulcer is simply an open wound inside the stomach or on top of the intestine, and he outlined the two primary causes of the condition.
What Really Causes Ulcers According to Aproko Doctor
According to Aproko Doctor, the first major cause of ulcers is a small germ called H. pylori, a bacterium that lives quietly inside the stomach and slowly damages the stomach wall. This damage allows stomach acid to reach the wound, causing pain. The second cause is the frequent use of painkillers, which can strip the stomach of its natural protective lining and lead to ulcer formation.
“So if you have ulcer – that is, if you have gone for a test and the doctor has confirmed that you have ulcer, if it’s a bacterial infection that is causing the ulcer, the doctor will put you on a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacteria,” Aproko Doctor explained. “He will then add something to reduce the acid so that your stomach can heal. Another thing that the doctor will also put you on top is what we call PPIs, acid suppressors.”
Foods and Drinks Ulcer Patients Should Avoid
Aproko Doctor advised ulcer patients to steer clear of very spicy foods and those high in acid, such as tomatoes. He also strongly discouraged the consumption of alcohol, energy drinks, heavy caffeine, and cigarette smoking, as these can aggravate the condition and delay healing.
Six Foods That Support Stomach Healing
In the video, the doctor recommended six foods that are gentle on the stomach and aid in healing: oats, sweet potatoes, eggs, fish, olive oil, and avocado. “Look for things like oats, sweet potatoes, eggs, fish, olive oil, and avocado. They are gentle on your stomach, and then they will support the healing of your stomach,” he said.
Public Reactions to Aproko Doctor’s Advice
The video stirred mixed reactions on social media. User XtraCash commented, “I stand to be corrected. Dr., you are wrong by saying that H-pylori is the cause of ulcer.” Another user, tianah937, shared, “I tested positive for h.pylori some months ago….and Peptikit was recommended….but h.pylori reduced from 100% to 40%.” DAFEMKOUTURE wrote, “My H.pylori test is positive, but na only omeprazole den gimme, I have been battling it since childhood.” User Gr ✗8t noted, “That h pylori is very hard to treat most times antibiotics don’t even work for it.”
Other users raised questions about transmission and treatment. *7EVEN* asked, “I heard it can be passed down from mother to child. Is that true?” big_dabs0404 shared a personal dilemma: “Mine is caused by diclofenac but I take it cause I have severe menstrual pain, so what then do I do?”
Related Ulcer News: Fasting and Celebrity Health
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that a devout Muslim healthcare provider shared tips on how ulcer patients can safely fast. Separately, social media personality Enioluwa revealed he was diagnosed with an ulcer after feeling unwell and undergoing tests. He noted that the doctor informed him other factors besides starvation could cause the disease, and he was prescribed medication to heal the sore in his stomach.
